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Blue Jays GM hints at another move.
The Toronto Blue Jays, like all other MLB teams, are gearing up their roster for spring training exhibition games. With that comes a slew of roster moves, and the Blue Jays are no exception.
On Wednesday, the team announced they are claiming infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. The resulting Blue Jays roster move is moving Bowden Francis to the 60-day IL. The Cubs designated Ben Cowles for assignment last week when they signed Shelby Miller.
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Blue Jays Claim Ben Cowles
Ben Cowles is a 26-year-old infielder who is still trying to find his way to MLB. He was picked up by the Cubs via the rule five draft in November of 2024.
After the dreaded DFA limbo saw the Cubs pick him up and drop him twice now, Cowles finds a new home, for the time being, in Toronto.
MLBTradeRumors.com Darragh McDonald was one of the first on this news, and gives some insight into the type of player Ben Cowles can be:
GettyBlue Jays GM hints at another move.
“He has a decent floor as a speed-and-defense type. He has lots of minor league experience at the three infield spots to the left of first base. He has posted double-digit stolen base totals in each of the past four minor league seasons.”
“The bat is more of a question mark. He had a really good year at the plate in 2024, slashing .286/.372/.457 at the Double-A level for a 141 wRC+. The Cubs acquired him from the Yankees that summer as part of the Mark Leiter Jr. trade and then gave him a roster spot at season’s end.”
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What Is Cowles Fit with Toronto?
There’s certainly a possibility that Cowles find his way back on waivers in the near future, as there really isn’t a path for him to make the Blue Jays’ Opening Day lineup.
So if he does remain on the Blue Jays roster, in all likelihood, he’ll start the season in Triple-A.
In 2025, Cowles was less impressive with the bat, as he batted .235 with nine home runs and an OPS of .671 over 128 games with the Cubs and White Sox Triple-A affiliates.
As for the Bowden Francis injury, he is set to miss the entire 2026 season.
The Blue Jays will open up spring training exhibition games this weekend, where Toronto’s coaching staff and front office will get a chance to take a closer look at Ben Cowles.
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